Proposals

Our Great Opportunity

With renewable energy sources as the primary focus for the future, herein lies an opportunity to consider new and innovative technologies that will propel and encourage the community for generations to come. A sophisticated network of systems can be deployed throughout the region to meet the demands of a circular economy in which all resources are reused and recycled. Thinking in this manner invokes a mindset for building with a long and lasting time horizon, and it inspires a holistic framework to conserve and maximize the region’s resources. This form of innovation welcomes entrepreneurship and cultivates community engagement with all ages.

Previous assessment

In Autumn 2020, Hudson Valley Biogas published an assessment of resource potential for biogas production in New York’s Hudson Valley. The outcomes explored the viability of this renewable technology across 10 counties and revealed ideas and concepts that can create an environmentally beneficial and economically prosperous industry. Through this research, a collection of quantitative and qualitative data on available biogas feedstocks inclusive of excess food waste, biosolids, animal manure, landfills, biocrops (crops grown specifically for anaerobic digestion), invasive species, and compost was aggregated. These results preface the following 10 circular system proposals and their respective conclusions. The data has been incorporated into this report’s methodology and should be considered essential background information for continued implementation discussions.

10 proposals for action

One objective of the collective proposals has been to select locations within approximately 25- to 50-miles of each to offer networked regional coverage. This image displays the geographical placement of each proposal with a pink map marker. The large circle around each point is equivalent to approximately a 25-mile radius. From this image, it is apparent that there is significant continuous coverage provided by the collection of these installations. The resulting area spans an area over much of the selected 11 NY counties with corresponding infrastructure investments in 8 of them; Albany, Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester.

The resulting proposals are at the following site locations;

Monticello Transfer Station,
Taylor- Montgomery LLC,
Beacon Recycling & Transfer,
WeCare Denali | Rockland County,
Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency,
Delaware County Solid Waste Management Center,
Westchester County Wastewater Treatment Plant,
Wheelabrator Westchester,
Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency, and
Town Of Colonie Landfill.

Environmental justice review

For each proposal, relevant NYS identified environmental justice areas have been highlighted and referenced. Corresponding regional maps have been displayed depicting the location and scope of these areas relative to the proposal’s host county as well as close-up figures with detailed maps relative to the analogous municipalities. The Empire State Development (ESD) has provided a state-wide summary map of these identified areas which is shown here and built upon data sourced from the US Census Bureau. From this image, it is possible to perceive the overall mapped distribution of these urbanized clusters throughout the state. Notice that the area north of New York City, which is located in the lower-right of the image, depicts a significant amount of purple. There is also a dashed-yellow outline of the Hudson Valley which references 7 of New York’s 62 counties. These environmental justice area maps can be compared to the mapped radii to examine the coinciding regional placement of all 10 proposals within these state-wide identified areas.

Background & Proposals

The proposed installations can help the region accomplish its economic development goals in an environmentally just manner while setting the necessary foundations for scaling related infrastructure. Investments in these technologies are paramount for long-term community growth, increasing workforce skills, and proliferating green jobs. With this strategy, the public can engage with many regional stakeholders, and welcome a unified pathway for sustainability.

Assessment Of Resource Potential For Biogas Feedstocks

Biogas production has the potential to evolve into an environmentally beneficial and economically viable industry in New York State’s lower Hudson Valley. This form of renewable energy infrastructure is complementary to the state’s climate change mitigation goals, and new low carbon fuel standards have created profitable incentives for the construction and operation of anaerobic digesters (AD). This study aims to identify, collect and collate quantitative and qualitative data on available biogas feedstocks inclusive of excess food waste, biosolids, animal manure, landfills, biocrops (crops grown specifically for AD), invasive species, and compost. The area of focus spans 10 counties, between New York City and Albany, which covers approximately 7,200 mi² and is home to over 2.3 million people; Columbia, Dutchess, Delaware, Greene, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. By mapping the availability of these bioresources, corporations and policy makers can use this data as a foundation for designing and implementing an integrated bioenergy system throughout the Hudson Valley.

Access Feedstocks Assessment

Circular Biogas Systems For NY's Greater Hudson Valley

This report offers 10 circular biogas production system designs for the greater Hudson Valley which covers an area extending from the northern limits of NYC and up through the capital district. These investments are necessary for long-term growth, increasing the workforce skills of citizens, and facilitating sustainable solutions for the greater Hudson Valley. Each integrated technological design offers innovative solutions that are iconic representations of circular production systems and treat available resources as high value materials for a regenerative production cycle; reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling. Overall, this initiative will help NYS transition from its outdated linear business practices to more sustainable solutions that align with current legislative initiatives and meet the evolving and necessary demands of a low-carbon future. Each component plays an indicative and strategic role in the greater mission of achieving international sustainability, and these precedents can be scaled and replicated across the state, country, and world to truly empower the people, planet, and prosperity.

Access Proposals Report

Join Our Sustainability Initiative

Hudson Valley Biogas' initial feedstock assessment and the resulting 10 Circular System Proposals have begun to write the next chapter of this region’s environmental movement. Everyone can share in these initiatives and unite around a common goal of a responsible society. Become part of this movement and learn to live, serve, and maintain the beauty of the Hudson River Valley.

Our vision

Just as the Hudson Valley gave birth to the modern American environmental movement in the 1960s, we are again positioned to design a system of prosperity and sustainability to inspire the nation. With renewable energies as the primary focus for the future, we have the opportunity to consider new and innovative technologies that will propel and encourage others for generations to come. We can join together and share promises of hope, love, and security for the future. May you be inspired.

“Kunnskap for en bedre verden” - “Knowledge for a better world” - NTNU

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